Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.1.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Feel Good Psychology Start your mental health journey today! ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Why We Feel Lonely — Even When We’re Not Alone](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/why-we-feel-lonely-even-when-were-not-alone/) - Why meaningful connection with others may begin with a clearer connection to the Self Australians have more ways to communicate than ever before. Messages travel instantly, meetings happen across screens and friends remain visible through social media. Yet frequent contact does not necessarily create the experience of being known. A major Australian study published in - [When You're Too Good for Your Job: Understanding "Rust-Out"](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/when-youre-too-good-for-your-job-understanding-rust-out/) - Most conversations about workplace wellbeing centre on burnout — the exhaustion that comes from doing too much. But a quieter, less-discussed condition sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. It's called rust-out, and it emerges not from overload, but from underload: a chronic lack of meaningful challenge that leaves capable people feeling flat, frustrated, - [Inspiration, Motivation & the Meaning We Make of Life](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/inspiration-motivation-the-meaning-we-make-of-life/) - How small moments of hope, connection and wonder can support resilience and purpose. There are days when life asks a great deal of us. We may be carrying grief, managing anxiety, adapting to change, living with pain, recovering from disappointment, or simply trying to meet the ordinary demands of work, family and responsibility. In those - [When Two Truths Collide - Evaluating Relationship Satisfaction Without Losing Yourself or Your Partner](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/when-two-truths-collide-evaluating-relationship-satisfaction-without-losing-yourself-or-your-partner/) - The Quiet Math Every Relationship Runs Every long-term relationship is, whether people admit it or not, running a kind of quiet arithmetic. Small moments of warmth, humour, and appreciation accumulate on one side of the ledger; criticism, contempt, and disappointment accumulate on the other. Psychologist John Gottman's decades of observational research on married couples found - [The Wise Woman's Call to Adventure: Shedding, Consolidation, & Life by Design](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-wise-womans-call-to-adventure-shedding-consolidation-life-by-design/) - Reframing Midlife as an Invitation, Not a Crisis Rather than a breakdown, the middle years for women can be understood as a threshold moment — a call to adventure toward the Wise Woman archetype, in which an outgrown identity is deliberately shed so a more deliberately designed life can emerge. This reframing shifts the emphasis - [The Hidden Cost of Financial Hardship: What the Research Tells Us About Mental Health](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-hidden-cost-of-financial-hardship-what-the-research-tells-us-about-mental-health/) - For many Australians, money worries are not just an occasional stressor — they are a daily, gnawing presence that shapes mood, relationships, and self-worth. As a psychology practice supporting clients across the country, FeelGood Psychology regularly sees firsthand how financial pressure intersects with anxiety, depression, and relationship strain. What does the peer-reviewed evidence say about - [Ending the Therapeutic Relationship](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/ending-the-therapeutic-relationship/) - What the Research Tells Us About Saying Goodbye Well Ending therapy is rarely just an administrative event — it's a clinical moment in its own right. Yet for many Australian clients and clinicians working under a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), that ending arrives on a schedule set not by readiness, but by Medicare rules. - [Dominance Hierarchies](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/dominance-hierarchies/) - Ancient Wiring, Modern Consequences Every social species that lives in groups develops some form of dominance hierarchy — a structured system that determines who gets access to resources, mates, and influence. Humans are no exception. Long before we had job titles, salaries, or LinkedIn follower counts, our ancestors were organising themselves into ranked groups to - [Growth or Subordination:](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/growth-or-subordination/) - How Hierarchy Shapes the Brain and Why It Matters for Meaning Not all hierarchies are created equal, and the type we find ourselves in may shape our brain chemistry, our sense of purpose, and — for many men in particular — whether life feels meaningful or hollow. Jordan Peterson popularised the idea that our position - [Antidepressants & Therapy:](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/antidepressants-therapy/) - What the Evidence Really Says When it comes to treating depression, one of the most common questions clients ask is: "Do I need medication, therapy, or both?" It is a fair question — and the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Decades of research now offer us genuine clarity on which - [The Approaching Death of a Difficult Parent - When Doing the Right Thing Feels Wrong.](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/when-doing-the-right-thing-feels-wrong/) - Navigating a Parent’s Approaching Death After a Difficult Relationship There is a particular kind of grief that rarely makes it onto greeting cards or into the soft-focus tributes we see shared on social media. It is the grief of the adult child who receives the phone call — the one that tells them their parent - [Is Your Social Media Feed Quietly Pushing You Toward Quick-Fix Drugs?](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/is-your-social-media-feed-quietly-pushing-you-toward-quick-fix-drugs/) - You open Instagram or TikTok for a few minutes of downtime. Before long, you've watched a dozen fitness transformation videos, seen three "before and after" posts, clicked on a reel about peptide injections for fat loss, and noticed a sponsored post for a "clinically proven" weight management compound. You put your phone down feeling vaguely - [How Journaling Can Change Your Life - And how to find the style that works for you](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/how-journaling-can-change-your-life-and-how-to-find-the-style-that-works-for-you/) - Have you ever thought about keeping a journal but weren't sure where to start? Or maybe you tried it once and felt like you were just writing the same thing over and over without going anywhere? You're not alone. A lot of people give up on journaling because they're using the wrong type of journaling - [How Your Brain Builds Its Habits: The Science of Synaptic Pathways](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/how-your-brain-builds-its-habits-the-science-of-synaptic-pathways/) - Have you ever wondered why some thoughts seem to play on repeat, or why certain behaviors feel almost impossible to stop — even when you desperately want to? The answer lies deep within the architecture of your brain, in tiny structures called synapses. Understanding how these connections form, strengthen, and can be reshaped is one - [The Power of Knowing How You Feel: Mood Monitoring and the Art of Responding Rather Than Reacting](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-power-of-knowing-how-you-feel-mood-monitoring-and-the-art-of-responding-rather-than-reacting/) - By Feel Good Psychology & Counselling How often do you arrive at the end of a difficult day feeling wrung out, snappy, or overwhelmed — without quite knowing why? You snapped at a colleague before a deadline, withdrew from a difficult conversation, or lay awake replaying a tense exchange. These reactions rarely come from nowhere. - [Shame as a Developmental Force: The Burning Off of the Adapted Self](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/shame-as-a-developmental-force-the-burning-off-of-the-adapted-self/) - An Addendum to The Psychological Architecture of Post-Trauma Reconstruction Reframing the Premise: Shame as Signal, Not Sentence In contemporary psychological culture, shame has acquired an almost uniformly negative reputation. It is positioned as the wound beneath wounds, the toxic residue of early relational failure, the emotion to be healed, processed, and ultimately dissolved. That understanding - [The Psychological Architecture of Post-Trauma Reconstruction](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-psychological-architecture-of-post-trauma-reconstruction/) - Positive Disintegration, Integration, Values Shifts, and the Emergence of the Dormant Self Executive Overview Deep psychological trauma — particularly betrayal trauma — does not simply wound. Under the right conditions, it can catalyze a radical reorganization of the self that is qualitatively different from simple recovery or resilience. Research across multiple frameworks converges on a - [An Exploration of Limerence, Attachment Theory, Internal Working Models & OCD](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/an-exploration-of-limerence-attachment-theory-internal-working-models-ocd/) - Limerence as an Attachment Phenomenon Dorothy Tennov first described limerence in 1979 as an involuntary state of intense obsessive infatuation with another person — the "limerent object" (LO) — characterized by intrusive preoccupation, emotional dependency, idealization, and desperate longing for reciprocation. While initially framed as a distinct romantic experience, contemporary research increasingly situates limerence within - [The Sovereign Self: Personal Accountability as the Gateway to Growth and Character](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-sovereign-self-personal-accountability-as-the-gateway-to-growth-and-character/) - An Inspirational Article Grounded in Psychological Science There is a moment that arrives quietly in every human life — a moment when the crossroads appears not on a map, but within. In one direction lies the well-worn path of blame, victimhood, and the exhausting conviction that our circumstances are entirely the fault of others. In - [The Science of Sovereignty](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-science-of-sovereignty/) - Self-Determination Theory and the Psychology of Authentic Motivation In our previous article, The Sovereign Self: Personal Accountability as the Gateway to Growth and Character, we explored how taking ownership of your choices, responses, and direction is foundational to a life of meaning and integrity. We examined the idea that true growth begins the moment you - [Summarising ‘Brain Energy’ – a Book by Dr Chris Palmer](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/summarising-brain-energy-a-book-by-dr-chris-palmer/) - Dr Chris Palmer’s Brain Energy offers a hopeful and practical way of thinking about mental health. Rather than viewing mental illness only as a “chemical imbalance” or purely as a response to life events, Palmer suggests that many mental health difficulties can also be understood through the lens of metabolism and how the brain creates and uses - [When Love Has Conditions: The Hidden Complexities of Adult Sibling Relationships](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/when-love-has-conditions-the-hidden-complexities-of-adult-sibling-relationships/) - A psychological and family systems exploration of expectation, disappointment, loyalty, and the quiet cost of being different. Adult sibling relationships occupy a strange psychological territory: they are among the oldest relationships we carry, yet in adulthood they become entirely voluntary. They can be a source of profound support and belonging, or they can become quiet - [The Borrowed Mirror: On the Paradox of Outsourced Self-Worth](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-borrowed-mirror-on-the-paradox-of-outsourced-self-worth/) - There is a quiet transaction that most human beings enter into without ever reading the contract. From the earliest moments of conscious life, we hand to other people the authority to determine whether we are enough — whether we are lovable, competent, admirable, or worthwhile. The mechanics of this arrangement are so deeply embedded in - [The Invisible Toll: How Global Tension Shapes Individual Mental Health](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-invisible-toll-how-global-tension-shapes-individual-mental-health/) - Feel Good Psychology & Counselling | April 2026 Introduction The world can feel like a heavy place right now. Trade tensions, geopolitical conflicts, energy crises, and economic instability are no longer abstract headlines confined to government briefings and financial pages — they have become part of the daily emotional landscape experienced by ordinary people in - [Finding Ground in an Uncertain World: How ACT Builds Resilience, Acceptance, & Psychological Flexibility](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/finding-ground-in-an-uncertain-world-how-act-builds-resilience-acceptance-psychological-flexibility/) - Introduction There is a quiet kind of suffering that comes not from a single devastating event, but from the steady accumulation of uncertainty - the not-knowing, the waiting, the feeling that the ground beneath us keeps shifting. For many people navigating the pressures of daily life in 2026 - rising costs, global instability, relentless news - [The Gut-Brain Axis: When the Body Speaks the Mind](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-gut-brain-axis-when-the-body-speaks-the-mind/) - Overview For centuries, medicine treated the mind and the digestive system as entirely separate domains. A stomach-ache was a stomach problem; anxiety was a brain problem. Modern neuroscience has dismantled that boundary. We now understand that the gut and the brain are locked in constant, intimate dialogue — and that for many people, particularly those - [Forgotten, but Not Unfriendly: Understanding Women Who Slip to the Edges of Their Friendship Groups](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/forgotten-but-not-unfriendly-understanding-women-who-slip-to-the-edges-of-their-friendship-groups/) - Many women who have been in the same friendship group since high school find themselves inexplicably left out of group chats or social events in their 20s, 30s and 40s. This experience is rarely about one “fatal flaw” and more often about subtle interactions between personality traits, unspoken group norms, and life transitions. Why long‑term - [Beyond Being "Tough": Why Psychological Flexibility Outperforms Grit Alone](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/beyond-being-tough-why-psychological-flexibility-outperforms-grit-alone/) - What the Article Covers The piece is grounded in core concepts from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and current psychological research on flexibility vs. rigidity. It draws on evidence that: Psychological flexibility — being open to difficult internal experiences while acting in line with values — is a stronger predictor of wellbeing and resilience than - [What therapy approaches help overcome people-pleasing and trust issues](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/what-therapy-approaches-help-overcome-people-pleasing-and-trust-issues/) - Several evidence‑based therapies can reduce people‑pleasing and rebuild the capacity to trust, especially when these patterns come from early relational wounds. The best fit often combines work on thoughts and behaviors, deep emotional processing, and attachment‑focused repair inside a safe therapeutic relationship. CBT and related approaches: Cognitive‑behavioural therapy (CBT) directly targets the beliefs that drive - [The Architecture of Repetitive Scripts](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-architecture-of-repetitive-scripts/) - The phenomenon of apparent stagnation—wherein individuals exhibit rigid, repetitive patterns in thought, behavior, values, and opinions despite conscious desires for progress—represents one of psychology's most compelling paradoxes. This reflection synthesizes research from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, schema therapy, and behavioral science to illuminate how automatic cognitive scripts become self-perpetuating systems that resist change, and how individuals - [When Love Isn't Love: Understanding Codependency, Toxic Attraction, and the Psychology of Chasing Rejection](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/when-love-isnt-love-understanding-codependency-toxic-attraction-and-the-psychology-of-chasing-rejection/) - Why we confuse suffering with devotion — and what's really going on beneath the surface. A loving relationship and a codependent relationship can look similar on the surface: both may involve deep care, intense feelings, and a strong desire to stay connected. But psychologically, they function very differently, and the impact on wellbeing is not - [Beyond The New Year Resolution Hype](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/beyond-the-new-year-resolution-hype/) - Building a Life Aligned with What You Truly Value in 2026 New Year’s resolutions often fail because they are built on hype, harsh self-criticism and unrealistic expectations, not on a sustainable, values-led lifestyle path. Shifting from rigid resolutions to a gentle, values-based direction gives people a far better chance of creating meaningful, lasting change across - [Relationships - From Hypervigilant to Secure: A Healing Journey for Women](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/relationships-from-hypervigilant-to-secure-a-healing-journey-for-women/) - You’re not broken. Learn why in relationships doubt persists in safe partners, how trauma and insecure attachment shape your nervous system. Begin the healing. - [The Denied Child - Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers & The “Never Good Enough” Trap](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/never-good-enough-healing-people-pleasing-and-trust-wounds-as-an-adult-daughter-of-a-narcissistic-mother/) - A daughter of a narcissistic mother often grows into an adult woman who feels fundamentally defective and endlessly driven to prove she is finally “enough,” yet the maternal bar keeps moving and can never truly be met. Her dilemma is that the very strategies that once promised safety - perfectionism, people‑pleasing, emotional self‑erasure - are - [Beyond the Mirror: A Compassionate Guide to Dating as a Whole Woman Over 50](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/beyond-the-mirror-a-compassionate-guide-to-dating-as-a-whole-woman-over-50/) - Rediscover dating with confidence after 50. Shift from self-doubt to self-worth and learn to date on your terms. View our website for more details. - [Understanding Personas: The Evolution from Masks to Authentic Selves](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/understanding-personas-the-evolution-from-masks-to-authentic-selves/) - Discover how personas shape behaviour, relationships, and success. Learn between healthy and unhealthy personas to support authentic personal growth. - [Navigating Christmas with Calm and Compassion](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/navigating-christmas-with-calm-and-compassion/) - Evidence-based strategies to manage Christmas stress and anxiety with calm and compassion, helping you enjoy the festive season with greater balance. - [Understanding Hormonal Dysregulation in Women: A Guide to Disorders, Syndromes, and Psychological Support](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/understanding-hormonal-dysregulation-in-women-a-guide-to-disorders-syndromes-and-psychological-support/) - Hormonal dysregulation in women represents a significant health concern that extends far beyond physical symptoms, profoundly affecting psychological and emotional wellbeing. This article explores the distinction between hormonal disorders and syndromes, examines common conditions affecting women, and demonstrates how evidence-based psychological interventions can provide meaningful support for managing these complex experiences. Disorder versus Syndrome: What's - [The Big Five Personality Model: From Lexical Origins to Modern Therapeutic Practice](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-big-five-personality-model-from-lexical-origins-to-modern-therapeutic-practice/) - Explore the Big Five personality traits. Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism, for psychology and therapy insights. - [Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Part II:](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/myers-briggs-type-indicator-mbti-part-ii/) - Integrating the MBTI into Modern Psychotherapeutic Approaches The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator has emerged as a valuable tool for enhancing therapeutic effectiveness across multiple modalities. While the MBTI lacks the empirical rigor of clinical diagnostic instruments, its utility in fostering self-awareness, improving therapeutic rapport, and tailoring interventions to individual preferences has made it increasingly popular among - [The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Part I](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator-mbti-part-i/) - Discover the fascinating history of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and how its 16 personality types shape our understanding of friendships. - [The Power of Daily Self‑Care Rituals for Mindful Living](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-power-of-daily-self-care-rituals-for-mindful-living/) - Discover the power of daily self‑care rituals to boost wellbeing, mindfulness, and emotional balance for busy modern women. - [Mental Health Month – Australia 2025](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/mental-health-month-australia-2025/) - Celebrate Mental Health Month with Feel Good Psychology. Nurturing hope, courage, and connection to strengthen wellbeing in our community. - [What is Mindfulness?](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/what-is-mindfulness/) - Discover what mindfulness truly means - a practice of present-moment, non-judgmental awareness that helps you engage more fully with life as it unfolds. - [Psychological Support as Strategic Self-Investment: A Modern Woman's High Self-Esteem Decision](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/psychological-support-as-strategic-self-investment-a-modern-womans-high-self-esteem-decision/) - Investing in psychological support is a powerful act of self-esteem - helping modern women thrive personally and professionally. - [The Neuroscience of Overthinking](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-neuroscience-of-overthinking/) - Discover how the brain fuels overthinking and learn evidence-based strategies to break free from rumination and restore mental clarity. - [Understanding a Psychological Diagnosis: Part I – The Potential Effects, Part II – The Benefits](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/understanding-a-psychological-diagnosis-part-i-the-potential-effects-part-ii-the-benefits/) - Explore how identifying with a psychological diagnosis can shape identity, wellbeing, and recovery - highlighting both the challenges and the benefits. - [Emotional Balance Starts in the Brain: The Limbic System and Modern Therapy](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/emotional-balance-starts-in-the-brain-the-limbic-system-and-modern-therapy/) - Discover how the limbic system shapes emotions and how modern therapies like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness build resilience and emotional balance. - [From Victim to Survivor & The Mindful Warrior](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/from-victim-to-survivor-mindful-warrior/) - Discover how resilience transforms hardship into growth, reclaiming meaning, identity, and purpose on the journey from victim to survivor. - [Grief and Loss: Navigating Life's Natural Journey of Healing](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/grief-and-loss-navigating-lifes-natural-journey-of-healing/) - Understanding grief as a natural human response to loss, helps us embrace love, resilience, and connection instead of seeing it as an illness. - [The Profound Journey: Understanding the Challenges Facing Parents of High-Needs Children](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-profound-journey-understanding-the-challenges-facing-parents-of-high-needs-children/) - Parenting high-needs children requires extraordinary care, resilience, and support. Explore challenges and strengths families experience in this journey. - [FGPC Bulk Billing Initiative](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/fgpc-bulk-billing-initiative/) - From Oct 1, 2025, bulk billing applies to all new Mental Health Treatment Plan referrals — giving patients access with no out-of-pocket costs. - [Unconditional Acceptance: A Path to Freedom and Well-Being](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/unconditional-acceptance-a-path-to-freedom-and-well-being/) - Discover the power of unconditional acceptance - valuing yourself and others without conditions to transform mental health, relationships, and life satisfaction. - [Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/understanding-post-traumatic-stress-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/) - Learn what post-traumatic stress is, its common reactions after trauma, and how it differs from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). - [The Trouble with Repressing Negative Emotions: Understanding the Hidden Costs](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-trouble-with-repressing-negative-emotions-understanding-the-hidden-costs/) - Suppressing negative emotions may seem helpful short-term, but research shows it can harm mental health, relationships, and personal growth. - [A Reflection on Successful vs. Unsuccessful Life Transitions](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/a-reflection-on-successful-vs-unsuccessful-life-transitions/) - Explore the emotional and personal impact of life transitions - both successful and challenging, from career changes to loss, parenting, and personal growth. - [The Generalist Advantage: How Being a 'Jack of All Trades' Reflects Superior Intelligence and Adaptability](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-generalist-advantage-how-being-a-jack-of-all-trades-reflects-superior-intelligence-and-adaptability/) - Drawing from Jordan Peterson's psychological insights alongside prominent academic research, the notion that being a "jack of all trades" represents intelligence and adaptability challenges the prevailing wisdom of our increasingly specialized world. This perspective reveals profound truths about human cognitive architecture and evolutionary success. Peterson's Framework: The Psychological Architecture of Generalism Jordan Peterson's analysis of - [Five Evidence-Based Techniques for Calming Emotions and Sharpening Focus](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/five-evidence-based-techniques-for-calming-emotions-and-sharpening-focus/) - Evidence-based techniques for calming emotions to reduce stress and sharpen focus. No gadgets or retreats. Regain clarity with self-directed practices. - [Moral Injury, Shame & Recovery through Courageous Action](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/moral-injury-shame-recovery-through-courageous-action/) - Moral injury occurs when actions violate deeply held values, leading to shame and inner conflict. Learn how courageous recovery can help restore self-worth. - [The Power of a Resourceful Mind: Unlocking Mental Health Resilience Through Adversity](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-power-of-a-resourceful-mind-unlocking-mental-health-resilience-through-adversity/) - A Resourceful Mind uses flexibility, creativity, and adaptability to overcome challenges and support strong mental health through life’s ups and downs. - [Brain Recovery and Treatment Approaches for Alcohol Addiction](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/brain-recovery-and-treatment-approaches-for-alcohol-addiction/) - Brain recovery from alcohol addiction is possible with evidence-based treatments including therapy, medication, and neurotechnology. - [The Neurology of Alcohol Addiction: Understanding the Brain's Complex Response](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-neurology-of-alcohol-addiction-understanding-the-brains-complex-response/) - Alcohol addiction represents one of the most complex neurological challenges facing modern medicine, involving intricate changes in brain chemistry, structure, and function that extend far beyond simple willpower or moral failing. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying alcohol use disorder provides crucial insights into why addiction develops, persists, and proves so difficult to overcome. The Brain's - [The Effects of Chronic Stress on Brain Function in Mature Women](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-effects-of-chronic-stress-on-brain-function-in-mature-women/) - Introduction Long-term, or chronic, stress is an ever-present challenge in modern life, especially for mature women who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. While stress is a normal physiological response, its persistent presence can have profound effects on brain function, cognition, and overall mental health. This blog explores the specific ways chronic stress impacts the - [Reduce Stress with Journaling – 20 Daily Prompts to Try](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/reduce-stress-with-journaling-20-daily-prompts-to-try/) - Reduce stress and boost well-being with these 20 daily journaling prompts. Reflect, recharge, and gain clarity with simple yet powerful writing exercises. - [From People Pleaser to Assertiveness: Emotional and Psychological Challenges](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/from-people-pleaser-to-assertiveness-emotional-and-psychological-challenges/) - Break free from a people pleaser and embrace assertiveness. Overcome emotional and psychological challenges to build confidence and set healthy boundaries. - [Explaining ways that Graded Exposure can Overcome Social Anxiety](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/explaining-ways-that-graded-exposure-can-overcome-social-anxiety/) - Graded exposure helps ease social anxiety by gradually facing feared situations, building confidence, and reducing fear over time. Often used in CBT and ACT. - [How Your Perception Is Influenced By Psychological And Social Factors](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/how-your-perception-is-influenced-by-psychological-and-social-factors/) - Discover how your perception is shaped by psychological and social factors like beliefs, biases, and conditioning and how you interpret the world around you. - [What about Flop? Instinctive survival response to Trauma](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/what-about-flop-instinctive-survival-response-to-trauma/) - The Flop Response - the 5th 'F' in trauma reactions. Learn how it triggers physical and mental shutdown in response to extreme stress or threat. - [The Fawn Response - a unique response to threat](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-fawn-response-a-unique-response-to-threat/) - The Fawn Response - beyond Fight, Flight, or Freeze. Learn how this unique reaction to threat leads to people-pleasing, appeasement, and conflict avoidance. - [5 Simple Ways to Boost Emotional Awareness](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/5-simple-ways-to-boost-emotional-awareness/) - Boost your emotional awareness with these 5 simple tips. Improve self-mastery, navigate challenges with ease, and set a positive tone for your day. - [Evidence - Based Stategies for Positive Habit Formation](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/evidence-based-stategies-for-positive-habit-formation/) - Discover 5 evidence-based strategies for positive habit formation, with practical examples to boost success and to break bad habits. Change starts today! - [Take 3 - Mindfulness for Busy People](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/take-3-mindfulness-for-busy-people/) - Discover the 3-Minute Breathing Space exercise - a quick mindfulness practice to step out of autopilot and reconnect with the present moment. - [New Year's Resolutions: The Psychology of New Beginnings](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/new-years-resolutions-the-psychology-of-new-beginnings/) - Explore the psychology behind New Year's resolutions and the 'fresh start effect,' highlighting why new beginnings inspire self-improvement and positive change. - [20 Tips for Christmas Stress](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/20-tips-for-christmas-stress/) - Explore 20 practical tips from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to manage Christmas stress and enjoy a more balanced, joyful holiday season. - [Survival Mode - Part 3](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/potential-impact-of-survival-mode-upon-productivity-at-work/) - Discover how living in survival mode affects workplace productivity and explore stress management ideas to regain focus, balance, and efficiency. - [Aging](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/aging/) - Aging is a natural process shaped by genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Embrace the wisdom and resilience gained through life’s experiences and challenges. - [Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/solution-focused-brief-therapy-sfbt/) - Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is an approach that uses techniques like the Miracle Question to help clients focus on strengths and future solutions. - [The Neurochemistry of Feeling Good](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-neurochemistry-of-feeling-good/) - Neurochemistry, learn how dopamine and serotonin boost mood, health, and well-being. Learn how they impact cognitive and emotional balance. - [Understanding Graded Exposure for Social Anxiety](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/understanding-graded-exposure-for-social-anxiety/) - Learn how graded exposure helps treat social anxiety by gradually reducing fear through proven techniques. Learn about benefits and supporting research in blog. - [Can we always trust our thoughts? - Part 1](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/can-we-always-trust-our-thoughts-introducing-cognitive-bias-part-1/) - A Cognitive bias is a unconscious pattern that affect judgment and decision-making, often leading to misinterpretations and non-rational choices. - [Can we always trust our thoughts? Part 2:](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/can-we-always-trust-our-thoughts-part-2-understanding-cognitive-dissonance/) - Cognitive dissonance a psychological event. An individual experiences discomfort by simultaneously holding two or more conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes - [Guidance for parents managing low tolerance and impatience](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/guidance-for-parents-managing-low-tolerance-and-impatience/) - Learn strategies to manage impatience and build a nurturing environment, helping parents develop patience for better connections with their children. - [Envy](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/envy/) - Envy, a multifaceted emotion that can manifest in various forms, with feelings from mild jealousy to resentment. - [The Role of Envy in Anxiety Disorders: Treatment Approaches](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-role-of-envy-in-anxiety-disorders-treatment-approaches/) - Envy can impact anxiety disorders via social comparison, low self-esteem and fear of rejection. Therapy & mindfulness can help in addressing these issues. - [The Role of Envy in Anxiety Disorders – Part 2](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-role-of-envy-in-anxiety-disorders-part-2/) - Envy, as an emotional response, can play a role in the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders for some individuals. - [What is Perception?](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/what-is-perception/) - Perception is the process of interpreting sensory information, shaped by experiences, beliefs, and culture, to understand and interact with the world around us. - [Survival Mode - Part 2](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/survival-mode-part-2/) - Improve relationships in survival mode with mindfulness, support, small goals, self-compassion, and moments of joy and connection. - [Survival Mode - Part 1](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/survival-mode-part-1/) - Survival Mode - Part 1. What some of the research suggests about the long-term effects of living in survival mode: Living in prolonged survival mode can have significant long-term effects on an individual's mental and physical health, as well as their overall quality of life. Research has identified several key impacts: Psychological Effects Prolonged survival - [Focusing on competence builds self-confidence, which inspires the pursuit of more competence, and so on!](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/focusing-on-competence-builds-self-confidence-which-inspires-the-pursuit-of-more-competence-and-so-on/) - Focusing on competence builds self-confidence, which inspires the pursuit of more competence, and so on! It wouldn’t be a far reach to suggest that many of us often speak of wishing we had more Self-confidence – it’s not unusual for us to say we have confidence in some aspect of our lives but lack it - [Resourcefulness - The Donkey in the Well](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/resourcefulness-the-donkey-in-the-well/) - Resourcefulness Definition: “the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties” (Oxford Dictionary) Once upon a time a retired donkey fell in an abandoned well. The farmer, deciding that the donkey and the well were both past their usefulness, decided to absolve himself of the responsibility of both the old donkey and the old well, - [Anxiety in Relationships](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/anxiety-in-relationships/) - Anxiety in Relationships Anxiety can appear in our lives at any time – meeting new people, giving a presentation, doing an exam or meeting a deadline. Often this anxiety is short-lived and we get through it until we are again faced with the same anxiety trigger. Anxiety can also be chronic when we are under - [The Benefits and Pitfalls of People Pleasing](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/the-benefits-and-pitfalls-of-people-pleasing/) - Is being a people pleaser working for you? It is a wonderful feeling pleasing people. In fact being kind and nice to others and saying ‘yes’ when asked to help is a valuable trait. Being a people pleaser gives you an immediate popularity boost. It is instantaneously gratifying because everyone seems to need you. So, - [Evidence Based Therapy](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/evidence-based-therapy/) - What is Evidence Based Therapy? “Evidence-Based Therapy (EBT), more broadly referred to as evidence-based practice (EBP), is any therapy that has shown to be effective in peer-reviewed scientific experiments.” (https://positivepsychology.com/evidence-based-therapy/) Evidence-based therapies evolve out of psychological theories inspired by ongoing research into the human condition, specifically, for the purpose of this blog, our relationship to - [Tap into your introvert superpowers](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/tap-into-your-introvert-superpowers/) - Are you an introvert? Does it affect your life in a negative way? Do you feel as though being an introvert makes your life harder? As you probably know, being identified as an introvert is very different to being identified as an extrovert. These are personality types, not mental health conditions. Psychiatrist, Carl Jung, first - [Why Feeling Good can be the beginning of all good things.](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/why-feeling-good-can-be-the-beginning-of-all-good-things/) - Feeling good is powerful. We, at Feel Good Psychology & Counselling believe it is our often untapped superpower. Feeling good can help inspire change, especially when your mental wellbeing seems in decline and at risk of tipping into mental illness. Feeling good can remind you how good life can be; therefore, it is of great - [FEEL GOOD THIS CHRISTMAS - TAKE-5](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/feel-good-this-christmas-take-5/) - A Simple 5-Minute Evidence-Based Technique to Help You Ground Your Self & Keep your Head Amidst the Hustle & Bustle of Christmas and All the Days Before & After It is our desire that you Feel Good this Christmas Break – if not all the time, then at least much of the time. A simple - [AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGICAL SOCIETY (APS) CONCERN OVER AUSTRALIA'S MENTAL HEALTH SECTOR](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/australian-psychologyical-society-aps-concern-over-australias-mental-health-sector/) - Australian Psychological Society (APS) Concern Over Australia's Mental Health Sector The latest Australian Healthcare Index figures which surveyed 11,000 Australians nationwide, found almost two-thirds of patients are waiting more than 12 weeks to receive care. A quarter of respondents have experienced declining mental health over the past 6 months. This increasing need for psychological assistance - [BENEFITS OF TELEHEALTH](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/benefits-of-telehealth/) - Benefits of Telehealth Greater EquityGreater equity in service provision means that, provided you have, at a minimum, access to a mobile phone, there is no prejudice or bias in terms of who can access a Telehealth support service, no matter your circumstances. Circumstances can include, but are not limited to, living rural & remote, being - [MEDICARE BULK BILLING – A $0 SERVICE](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/medicare-bulk-billing-a-0-service/) - Medicare Bulk Billing - A $0 Service Feel Good Psychology & Counselling recognizes the benefits of Bulk Billing in terms of reducing a client’s financial burden to a $0 amount and we know this will undoubtedly contribute to greater peace of mind for help seeking individuals usually affected by barriers to affordability. We feel good ## Pages - [Welcome to Feel Good Psychology](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/) - Feel Good Psychology offers expert psychology services for anxiety, stress, and depression. Book caring, qualified support near you today. - [About us](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/about-us/) - Meet our experienced psychologists committed to improving mental wellbeing through evidence-based, compassionate care. - [Fees](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/fees/) - View our fees for counselling and therapy services. Medicare rebates available for eligible clients. Transparent and fair. - [GP Referral](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/gp-referral/) - Learn how to get a GP referral for psychological services at Feel Good Psychology. Start your journey to better mental health today. - [24/7 Help](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/24-7-help/) - Access emergency support and 24/7 mental health helplines. Find immediate help in urgent emotional situations. - [Clare Walker](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/our-team/clare-walker/) - Learn how Clare Walker helps clients overcome challenges and improve mental health with compassionate care. - [Graham Emery](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/our-team/graham-emery/) - Graham Emery and his expertise in psychology and life coaching can support your journey to a better life. - [The Feel Good Team](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/our-team/) - Our Team | Get to know our skilled and compassionate team of psychologists, therapists, and coaches dedicated to your well-being. - [Privacy Policy](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/privacy-policy/) - Learn how we protect your personal and medical data with our strict privacy and confidentiality policies. - [How We Work with Insurers & Lawyers](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/how-we-work-with-insurers-lawyers/) - Feel Good Psychology & Counselling takes client privacy seriously. When insurers, lawyers, or other third parties request information, the practice aims to provide what is relevant and reasonably necessary while protecting the confidentiality and therapeutic integrity of the client record. Our approach This page explains how the practice handles requests from insurers, solicitors, workplaces, and - [Articles](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/articles/) - Mental Health Articles or Browse articles on anxiety, stress, relationships, and more. Trusted information from qualified mental health professionals. - [Contact Us](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/contact-us/) - Get in contact with our team to schedule a session, ask a question, or get help finding the right therapist for you. - [Managing Emotions](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/managing-emotions/) - Learn to manage emotions with practical PDF guides on grounding, journaling, and more. Strengthen emotional skills for daily life and healthy relationships. - [Mental Health](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/mental-health/) - Explore practical mental health resources, including PDFs on anxiety, stress, mindfulness, and more - designed to support growth and resilience. - [Resources](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/resources/) - Explore downloadable resources tools, self-help guides, and external links to enhance your mental wellness journey. - [Bernadette Martin](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/our-team/bernadette-martin/) - Meet Bernadette Martin, an experienced therapist dedicated to helping clients achieve mental well-being and personal growth. - [Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/frequently-asked-questions-faqs/) - FAQs, Find answers to common questions about therapy, referrals, fees, sessions, and what to expect. - [Meet the Team](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/our-team-2/) - Team | Get to know our skilled and compassionate team of psychologists, therapists, and coaches dedicated to your well-being. - [Triple A Service](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/triple-a-service/) - Discover our Triple A promise — mental health support that’s Affordable, Accessible, and Available to all Australians. - [Personal Transformation](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/personal-transformation/) - Support your personal transformation with practical PDF information on goal setting, habit change, and self-awareness, designed for growth and clarity. - [Neurology & Neurological Disorders](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/neurology-neurological-disorders/) - Explore neurology resources covering migraine, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and more, with easy-to-read PDFs on symptoms, treatments, and daily living tips. - [Anger Management](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/our-services/anger-management/) - Learn to manage anger constructively. Our psychologists help you build calm, control, and better communication. - [Anxiety Depression](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/our-services/anxiety-depression/) - Professional counselling to manage anxiety and overcome depression. Proven techniques that help you feel better. - [Stress Management](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/our-services/stress-management/) - Manage stress and prevent burnout with expert guidance and psychological strategies tailored to your needs. - [Workplace Stress](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/our-services/workplace-stress/) - Reduce work stress, boost work-life balance, and improve mental health with our workplace psychology services. - [Relationship Issues](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/our-services/relationship-issues/) - Address conflicts and strengthen your relationships with empathetic, goal-oriented therapy sessions. - [Mental Health](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/our-services/mental-health/) - Compassionate therapy for anxiety, depression, stress, and more. Personalised support from licensed psychologists. - [Our Services](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/our-services/) - Our Ethos | Learn about the core values that shape our compassionate and effective approach to mental health and life coaching. - [Life Coaching Service](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/life-coaching/) - Achieve personal growth with expert life coaching. Set goals, build confidence, and create positive change with professional support. - [Terms and Conditions](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/terms-and-conditions/) - Read our terms and conditions, privacy policies, and guidelines before using our website or booking appointments. - [Get a GP Referral](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/get-a-gp-referral/) - Step-by-step guide to obtaining a GP referral for therapy and accessing Medicare rebates. - [Book an Appointment](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/book-an-appointment/) - Book your first appointment or follow-up psychology session quickly and easily online with our friendly and qualified team. ## Categories - [General News](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/category/general-news/) - [Self-Care & Mindfulness](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/category/self-care-and-mindfulness/) - [Anxiety & Stress](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/category/anxiety-and-stress/) - [Medicare Bulk Billing](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/category/medicare-bulk-billing/) - [Telehealth](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/category/telehealth/) - [Australian Phsychological Society](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/category/australian-phsychological-society/) - [Work & Mental Health](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/category/work-and-mental-health/) - [Mental Wellness](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/category/mental-wellness/) - [Therapy & Counselling](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/category/therapy-and-counselling/) - [Relationships & Mental Health](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/category/relationships-and-mental-health/) - [Personal Growth & Mindset](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/category/personal-growth-and-mindset/) - [Resources](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/category/resources/) - [Mental Health](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/category/resources/mental-health/) ## Tags - [PositiveMindset](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/tag/positivemindset/) - [AnxietyRelief](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/tag/anxietyrelief/) - [MindfulnessPractice](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/tag/mindfulnesspractice/) - [TherapyWorks](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/tag/therapyworks/) - [SelfCareMatters](https://feelgoodpsychology.com.au/tag/selfcarematters/)